It's not that we're always very kind, nor that saying the truth will kill us, but declining the request to their face may turn out to be a cringe-worthy experience. You know what happens next. You may temporarily be making people filling your favor bank happy, but you know how big of a trouble it is for you.
Dr. Mita Rana, Clinical Psychologist at TUTH, says that this isn't a surprise, as even our culture supports such habits. "From our childhood, we've been taught to respect the people around us and be in our best behavior. We tend to show this by not saying no to elder people, or generally those around us," she says.
As we grow up acquiescing to every request that people around us make and constantly get exposed to elders or self-patronizing people, we're compelled to just go along with whatever they are saying.
Of course, a large part also depends on what kind of a person you are. Some find it easy to say no and have no problem about what other people feel. Whereas if you're naturally reserved, or not expressive enough, saying 'yes' comes even before you even mull over the request.
"People who are gullible or submissive or even those desiring social closeness won't opt to say 'no'," Dr Rana says. But that doesn't mean that you can't learn to say 'no' to people now. It's not just a gift that only a few possess, but a necessity in today's world where everyone prioritizes herself before anyone else.
